Analyte Monitoring and Management Device and Method to Analyze the Frequency of User Interaction with the Device

ABSTRACT

Methods and Devices to monitor the level of at least one analyte are provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/147,464 filed Jun. 26, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/947,026 filed Jun. 29, 2007 entitled “Analyte Monitoring and Management Device and Method to Analyze the Frequency of User Interaction with the Device,” the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The detection of the level of analytes, such as glucose, lactate, oxygen, and the like, in certain individuals is vitally important to their health. For example, the monitoring of glucose is particularly important to individuals with diabetes. Diabetics may need to monitor glucose levels to determine when insulin is needed to reduce glucose levels in their bodies or when additional glucose is needed to raise the level of glucose in their bodies.

A conventional technique used by many diabetics for personally monitoring their blood glucose level includes the periodic drawing of blood, the application of that blood to a test strip, and the determination of the blood glucose level using calorimetric, electrochemical, or photometric detection. This technique does not permit continuous or automatic monitoring of glucose levels in the body, but typically must be performed manually on a periodic basis. Unfortunately, the consistency with which the level of glucose is checked varies widely among individuals. Many diabetics find the periodic testing inconvenient and they sometimes forget to test their glucose level or do not have time for a proper test.

In vivo glucose sensors that continuously or automatically monitor the individual's glucose level and enable individuals to more easily monitor their glucose, or other analyte levels are also commercially available. These systems may provide the user with accurate analyte levels at ten, five or even one minute intervals. Some examples of such systems are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,752, and in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0186365 filed Dec. 26, 2003 entitled “Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and Methods of Use.” Devices and systems for management of the analyte level may also be included in the analyte monitoring system. An example of an analyte management system is an insulin pump, which may manage the analyte level by, for example, delivering a dose of insulin to the user in response to the glucose levels of the user. The analyte management system may be automatic, user controlled, or any combination thereof.

Clinical studies have shown that some patients derive considerable benefits from an increased frequency of available analyte levels, a benefit provided by the analyte measuring systems. However, other patients derived little or no benefit from an increased availability of analyte levels. Using glucose monitoring as an example, patients who derived little or no value from the glucose monitoring systems were at an increased risk of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episodes.

Increasingly, research has associated the lack of frequent interaction with the analyte monitoring system as the reason that some patients potentially derive reduced value from the analyte monitoring systems. As a result, there is a need for a system which reminds or encourages the user to interact with the analyte monitoring system at a minimum frequency.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above and provide advantages which will be apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Also, the present disclosure is not required to overcome the disadvantages described above.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided methods to analyze user interaction with a medical device. Exemplary embodiments include methods to encourage user interaction with a medical device that may include monitoring a user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device; comparing the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device to at least one predetermined target level of interaction; and alerting the user when the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device is equal to or below the at least one predetermined target level of interaction.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the user may be informed of the difference between the actual frequency of interaction with the medical device and the predetermined target level of interaction.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure the user may be alerted using an alarm. The alarm may be an audible and/or visual and/or vibrating alarm. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the audible alarm may increase in loudness over time after being activated.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure the method may include a plurality of predetermined target levels of interaction, wherein alerting the user distinguishes between the plurality of target levels of interaction.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the user may be required to perform at least one step to turn off the alert. According to yet another aspect, the at least one step may be a decision related to the user's state of health.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one predetermined target level of interaction may be adjusted by an authorized user. The at least one predetermined target level of interaction may also be adjusted according to a time of day, type of activity, or projected future analyte level.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the history of the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device may be recorded. In this aspect, the at least one predetermined target level of interaction may be adjusted according to the recorded history. Moreover, the history of the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device may be organized according to behavior variables inputted by the user. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one predetermined target level of interaction may be adjusted according to a data received from a sensor located on the user.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the user may be rewarded when the actual frequency of interaction stays above the at least one predetermined level of interaction for a predetermined time.

According another aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed an analyte monitoring apparatus comprising a sensor which is attached to a user for monitoring an analyte level of the user, the sensor further comprising a transmitter which transmits information obtained by the sensor; and a receiver unit comprising a receiver for receiving data from the sensor, and a display coupled to the receiver which displays the received data to the user when the user interacts with the receiver unit, wherein the receiver unit monitors the user's actual frequency of interaction with the device, compares the user's actual frequency of interaction with the receiver unit to at least one predetermined target level of interaction, and alerts the user when the user's actual frequency of interaction with the receiver unit is equal to or below the at least one predetermined target level of interaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from detailed exemplary embodiments set forth hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a data monitoring and management system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a receiver unit, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a receiver unit;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a receiver unit;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a third exemplary embodiment of a receiver unit; and

FIG. 6 is a chart of an analyte monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying figures, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The figures shown herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, with some components and features being exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the figures denote like elements.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

Embodiments are described herein generally with respect to in vivo analyte monitoring device and methods in which at least a portion of an analyte sensor is positioned beneath a skin surface of a user, where such description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Also contemplated are in vitro analyte monitoring systems, e.g., small volume (e.g., sample volumes ranging from about 0.1 to about 1 microliter), and/or short assay times (e.g., assay times ranging from about 1 second to about 10 seconds). In vitro systems usually include a test strip and a meter to read the test strip. Examples of in vitro analyte systems include, but are not limited to, FreeStyle® and Precision® blood glucose monitoring systems from Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. Also contemplated are integrated systems in which one or more components of an in vitro system are included in a single housing, e.g., lance, test strip or meter.

FIG. 1 shows a data monitoring and management system such as, for example, an analyte (e.g., glucose) monitoring system 100 in accordance with certain embodiments. Embodiments of the subject disclosure are further described primarily with respect to glucose monitoring devices and systems, and methods of glucose detection, for convenience only and such description is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the analyte monitoring system may be configured to monitor a variety of analytes at the same time or at different times.

Additionally, in one exemplary embodiment the analyte monitoring system may include an analyte management system, such as an insulin pump. Thus, it is to be understood that the following description is directed to an analyte (for example, glucose) monitoring system for convenience only and such description is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Analytes that may be monitored include, but are not limited to, acetyl choline, amylase, bilirubin, cholesterol, chorionic gonadotropin, creatine kinase (e.g., CK-MB), creatine, creatinine, DNA, fructosamine, glucose, glutamine, growth hormones, hormones, ketone bodies, lactate, peroxide, prostate-specific antigen, prothrombin, RNA, thyroid stimulating hormone, and troponin. The concentration of drugs, such as, for example, antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin, and the like), digitoxin, digoxin, drugs of abuse, theophylline, and warfarin, may also be monitored. In those exemplary embodiments that monitor more than one analyte, the analytes may be monitored at the same or different times.

Moreover, the description herein is directed primarily to electrochemical sensors for convenience only and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other sensors and sensor systems are contemplated. Such include, but are not limited to, optical sensors, colorimetric sensors, and sensors that detect hydrogen peroxide to infer analyte levels, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1, the analyte monitoring system 100 includes a sensor 101, a data processing unit 102 connectable to the sensor 101, and a primary receiver unit 104, which is configured to communicate with the data processing unit 102 via a communication link 103. In certain embodiments, the primary receiver unit 104 may be further configured to transmit data to a data processing terminal 105 to evaluate or otherwise process or format data received by the primary receiver unit 104. The data processing terminal 105 may be configured to receive data directly from the data processing unit 102 via a communication link which may optionally be configured for bi-directional communication. Further, the data processing unit 102 may include a transmitter or a transceiver to transmit and/or receive data to and/or from the primary receiver unit 104 and/or the data processing terminal 105 and/or optionally the secondary receiver unit 106. In one exemplary embodiment, the primary receiver unit 104 may be designed to sit on a shelf or nightstand. In this exemplary embodiment, the primary receiver unit 104 may be used by parents to monitor their children while they sleep or to awaken patients during the night. In addition, in this exemplary embodiment the primary receiver unit may include a lamp or a radio for convenience and/or for activation as an alarm.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is an optional secondary receiver unit 106 which is operatively coupled to the communication link and configured to communicate with the data processing unit 102. The secondary receiver unit 106 may also be configured to communicate with the primary receiver unit 104, as well as the data processing terminal 105. The secondary receiver unit 106 may be configured for bi-directional wireless communication with each of the data processing unit 102, the primary receiver unit 104 and the data processing terminal 105. In certain embodiments the secondary receiver unit 106 may be a de-featured receiver as compared to the primary receiver, i.e., the secondary receiver may include a limited or minimal number of functions and features as compared with the primary receiver unit 104. As such, the secondary receiver unit 106 may include a smaller (in one or more, including all, dimensions), compact housing or be embodied in a device such as a wrist watch, arm band, etc., for example. Alternatively, the secondary receiver unit 106 may be configured with the same or substantially similar functions and features as the primary receiver unit 104. The secondary receiver unit 106 may also include a docking portion to be mated with a docking cradle unit for placement by, e.g., the bedside for night time monitoring, and/or a bi-directional communication device. A docking cradle may recharge a power supply.

Only one sensor 101, data processing unit 102 and data processing terminal 105 are shown in the embodiment of the analyte monitoring system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the analyte monitoring system 100 may include more than one sensor 101, and/or more than one data processing unit 102, and/or more than one data processing terminal 105. Multiple sensors may be positioned in a patient for analyte monitoring at the same or different times. In certain embodiments, analyte information obtained by a first positioned sensor may be employed as a comparison to analyte information obtained by a second sensor. This may be useful to confirm or validate analyte information obtained from one or both of the sensors. Such redundancy may be useful if analyte information is contemplated in critical therapy-related decisions. In certain embodiments, a first sensor may be used to calibrate a second sensor, or vice-versa.

The analyte monitoring system 100 may be a continuous monitoring system, or semi-continuous, or a discrete monitoring system. In a multi-component environment, each component may be configured to be uniquely identified by one or more of the other components in the system so that communication conflict may be readily resolved between the various components within the analyte monitoring system 100. For example, unique IDs, communication channels, and the like, may be used.

In certain embodiments, the sensor 101 is physically positioned in or on the body of a user whose analyte level is being monitored. The sensor 101 may be configured to at least periodically sample the analyte level of the user and convert the sampled analyte level into a corresponding signal for transmission by the data processing unit 102. The data processing unit 102 performs data processing functions, where such functions may include but are not limited to, filtering and encoding of data signals, each of which corresponds to a sampled analyte level of the user, for transmission to a receiver unit (104 or 106) via the communication link 103. In certain embodiments, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) may be used to implement one or more functions or routines associated with the operations of the data processing unit (and/or receiver unit) using for example one or more state machines and buffers.

In one embodiment, the sensor 101 or the data processing unit 102 or a combined sensor/data processing unit may be wholly implantable under the skin layer of the user.

In certain embodiments, the primary receiver unit 104 may include an analog interface section including an RF receiver and an antenna that is configured to communicate with the data processing unit 102 via the communication link 103, and a data processing section for processing the received data from the data processing unit 102 such as data decoding, error detection and correction, data clock generation, data bit recovery, etc., or any combination thereof

In operation, the primary receiver unit 104 in certain exemplary embodiments is configured to synchronize with the data processing unit 102 to uniquely identify the data processing unit 102, based on, for example, an identification information of the data processing unit 102, and thereafter, to periodically receive signals transmitted from the data processing unit 102 associated with the monitored analyte levels detected by the sensor 101.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the data processing terminal 105 may include a personal computer, a portable computer such as a laptop or a handheld device (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs), telephone such as a cellular phone (e.g., a multimedia and Internet-enabled mobile phone such as an iPhone or similar phone), mp3 player, pager, and the like), or a drug delivery device (e.g., an insulin pump), each of which may be configured for data communication with the receiver via a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the data processing terminal 105 may further be connected to a data network (not shown) for storing, retrieving, updating, and/or analyzing data corresponding to the detected analyte level of the user.

In certain embodiments, the communication link 103 as well as one or more of the other communication interfaces shown in FIG. 1, may use one or more of: a radio frequency (RF) communication protocol, an infrared communication protocol, a Bluetooth enabled communication protocol, an 802.11x wireless communication protocol, or an equivalent wireless communication protocol which would allow secure, wireless communication of several units (for example, per HIPPA requirements), while avoiding potential data collision and interference.

The primary receiver unit 104, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrated in block form in FIG. 2, includes a receiver 20 to receive data from the data processing unit 102, an analyzer 22 to evaluate the data, a display 24 to provide information to the user, and an alarm system 26 to warn the user when a condition arises. The primary receiver unit 104 may also optionally include a data storage device 28, a transmitter 30, and/or an input device 32. As described above, the secondary receiver unit 106 may have the same structure as the primary receiver unit 104, and as such, the following description of receiver unit functions apply equally to the primary and secondary receiver units.

In one exemplary embodiment, a primary receiver unit 104 may be a bedside unit for use at home. The bedside unit may have its own data analyzer and data storage. The data may be communicated from the data processing unit 102 or another receiver unit, such as a secondary receiver unit 106. Thus, at least one receiver unit contains all the relevant data so that the data can be downloaded and analyzed without significant gaps.

The receiver 20 may be formed using known receiver and antenna circuitry and may be tuned or tunable to the frequency or frequency band of the data processing unit 102. In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver 20 is capable of receiving signals from a distance greater than the transmitting distance of the data processing unit 102.

In another embodiment, a repeater unit (not shown) is used to boost a signal from the data processing unit 102 so that the signal can be received by receiver units 104 and 106 that may be distant from the data processing unit 102. The repeater unit is typically independent of the data processing unit 102, but, in some cases, the repeater unit may be configured to attach to the data processing unit 102. Typically, the repeater unit includes a receiver for receiving the signals from the data processing unit 102 and a transmitter for transmitting the received signals. The transmitter of the repeater unit may be more powerful than the transmitter of the data processing unit 102 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The repeater unit may be used, for example, in a child's bedroom for transmitting a signal from a data processing unit 102 on the child to a primary receiver unit 104 in the parent's bedroom for monitoring the child's analyte levels and frequency of interaction with the secondary receiver unit 106.

A variety of displays 24 may be used, including cathode ray tube displays (particularly for larger units), light emitting diode (LED) displays, or liquid crystal display (LCD) displays. The display 24 may be monochromatic (e.g., black and white) or polychromatic (i.e., having a range of colors). The display 24 may contain symbols or other indicators that are activated under certain conditions (e.g., an alert to the user may become visible on the display when the user's frequency of interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106 falls below the predetermined target level of interaction). The display 24 may also contain more complex structures, such as LCD or LED alphanumeric structures, portions of which can be activated to produce a letter, number, or symbol. For example, the display 24 may include region 34 to display numerically the level of the analyte, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the display 24 also provides a message 60 to the user to direct the user in an action. Such messages may include, for example, “Check Analyte Level”, if the user's frequency of interaction with a receiver unit falls below the predetermined target level. In another exemplary embodiment, the messages may provide helpful hints or tips to the user. The display may also include other indicators 36, including directional arrows, etc., which may be activated under certain conditions. For example, indicator 38 of a glucose monitoring device, may be activated if the patient is hyperglycemic. Other indicators may be activated in the cases of hypoglycemia (40), impending hyperglycemia (42), impending hypoglycemia (44), a malfunction, an error condition, or when calibration of the device is required (46). In some embodiments, color coded indicators may be used. Alternatively, the portion 34 which displays the analyte concentration, may also include a composite indicator 50 (see FIG. 4), portions of which may be appropriately activated to indicate any of the conditions described above. In another exemplary embodiment, the display may be capable of displaying a graph 48 of the analyte level over a period of time, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

One example of a receiver unit (104 or 106) is illustrated in FIG. 3. The display 24 of this particular receiver unit (104 or 106) includes a portion 34 that displays the level of the analyte, for example, the blood glucose concentration. In one embodiment, the screen may be blank or dark when in the resting state. In this exemplary embodiment, the screen may be activated if the user interacts with the device. In another embodiment, the receiver unit (104 or 106) indicates the time of day on the default screen, and the user may view the current analyte level by interacting with the receiver unit (104 or 106), for example by pressing a button or the like on the receiver unit (104 or 106), which will display the current analyte level. In this way, receiver units 104 and 106 can monitor the frequency of interaction between the user and the receiver units 104 and 106.

In one exemplary embodiment, the user's interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106 is system specific. That is, the receiver units 104 and 106 update each other when the user interacts with one of the receiver units (either 104 or 106). In this embodiment, the user needs to only interact with one unit to maintain the target level of interaction.

In another embodiment, the user's interaction with the receiving units 104 and 106 may be receiver unit specific. One example where the user's interaction with the receiver is receiver unit specific may be a guardian/child relationship. In this example, the child's level of interaction (with, for example, the primary receiver 104) and the guardian's level of interaction (with, for example, the secondary receiver 106) should be assessed independently.

In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the display 24 may display a bar graph 62, or any other suitable indicator, comparing the user's frequency of interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106 to the predetermined target frequency. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the display 24 may further be capable of displaying an analyte indicator 64, which may indicate the rate of change of the analyte, and the direction of change of the analyte, e.g., by the particular direction of an arrow or the like. In this exemplary embodiment, the analyte indicator 64 may point in different directions, such as for example, around a 360 degree clock. Other examples of graphs may include graphs of the user's frequency of interaction with the receiver unit (104 or 106), or units (104 and 106), over a period of time, and graphs of the rate of change or acceleration in the rate of change of the analyte level over time.

In some exemplary embodiments, the receiver unit is configured so that the user may choose the particular display (e.g., blood glucose concentration or graph of concentration versus time) that the user wishes to view. The user may choose the desired display mode by pushing a button or the like, for example, on an optional input device 32. When the user interacts with the device, to view or choose a particular display or to wake the device from its resting state, the receiver unit 104 or 106 may record the date and time of the user's interaction with that receiver unit. In this way, the receiver units 104 and 106 can monitor the frequency of user interaction with the receiver units. The optional input device 32 for interacting with the receiver units 104 and 106 will be described in greater detail below.

The above-described graphs benefit both the user and the health care provider (“HCP”). The user can benefit from subtle behavioral modification as the graphs and/or screen prompts encourage more frequent interaction with the device and the expected improvement in outcomes.

HCPs may benefit from more cumulative statistics (such as average glucose views per day, average glucose views before/after meals, average glucose views on “in-control” vs. “out-of-control” days or time of day) which may be obtained from the record of user's interaction frequency with the device and which can be used to understand why a patient may not be realizing expected gains from the analyte monitoring system. If an HCP sees that a patient is not benefiting as expected from the analyte monitoring system, they may recommend an increased level of interaction (e.g., increase interaction target level).

In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver units 104 and 106 may include software. In this exemplary embodiment, each instance of user interaction, by pressing a button or the like, with a receiver unit 104 or 106, or both receiver units 104 and 106, may be recorded. The software may associate each instance of user interaction with the date and time of that interaction. For example, the software may record each instance that the user queries the main screen of the receiver unit 104 or 106. In this exemplary embodiment, the receiver unit 104 or 106 may further include an algorithm for comparing the frequency of user interaction with the receiver to a predetermined frequency of interaction. In this exemplary embodiment, if the frequency of a user's interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106 matches or falls below the predetermined level of interaction, the receiver unit (104 or 106) may alert the user through an audible or vibratory alert. The alert system will be described in greater detail below.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiver units 104 and 106 may also contain software designed to encourage interaction with the receiver units. For example, the software may set target rates for the user, so that the user strives to achieve a desired interaction frequency with the receiver unit. In another exemplary embodiment, the software may offer educational information related to treatment as well as helpful hints and tips, thereby educating the user as to the importance of maintaining a predetermined target level of interaction with the receiver unit.

In yet another embodiment, the receiver units 104 and 106 may include software that prompts user interaction, e.g., an electronic game, or cartoon-like character, or the like, that requires feedback from the user. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartoon-like character or the like may have a “health bar” or a “life bar” which would represent the level of interaction between the user and the analyte monitoring system 100. That is, by frequently interacting with the cartoon-like character, the user will keep the health, or life, level of the cartoon-like character above the predetermined target level. In one exemplary embodiment, the user may “feed” the cartoon-like character by interacting with the device. The user's analyte level, or other relevant information should also be displayed on the screen of the device during interaction between the user and the cartoon-like character. In one exemplary embodiment, the user will be limited in the amount of interaction in a predetermined time. That is, the user will not be able to front-load the amount of interaction with the device, and then ignore the device for a prolonged period of time. As such, the device may only record a predetermined number of interactions within a certain period of time.

By interacting with the cartoon-like character, the user may also be educated as to the benefits of maintaining a proper target rate of interaction with the device, or may at least stay informed as to his own state of health. This embodiment may be particularly interesting to children as it may help ensure that children maintain the necessary level of interaction with the monitoring device of this disclosure. This exemplary embodiment may also be coupled with education regarding treatment options, helpful hints and tips. Moreover, the above-described embodiment need not be used with a continuous glucose monitoring (“CGM”) device.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the above concept can also be adapted to the “finger stick test.” Using glucose as an example, the user may interact with the cartoon-like character by manually checking his blood glucose level. That is, each time the user manually checks his glucose level, using the finger stick test, the cartoon-like character may gain a point to the “health” or “life” bar. Similar to the embodiment described above, the “health” or “life” bar may represent the target level of user interaction. In this way, the user will desire to keep the cartoon-like character healthy, and thus interact with the device at an increased frequency. With regard to the embodiments described above, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the cartoon-like character is simply an example, and that any kind of character or figure may be used.

In order to achieve the full benefit of the analyte monitoring system 100, the user should maintain a predetermined target rate of interaction with the system. In one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined target level of user interaction is set by an HCP, or the user's health care team. Thus, each predetermined target level of interaction will likely depend on the specific user. However, in one exemplary embodiment, factors affecting the predetermined level of user interaction with the system may be: the particular analyte to be measured, the user's general state of health, (for example, more frequent during sick days), symptoms exhibited by the user, time of day, time since or until meal, activity level and other events.

In one exemplary embodiment, the target level may be programmed (or user modifiable) to vary during the course of the day or week (work week vs. weekend), with these rates being easily adjustable to account for events or changes, such as, during sick days, times of high activity, or other times when more frequent interactions should be encouraged. Although HCPs may recommend only general interaction levels (e.g., once per hour during waking hours), these levels may be tailored to the individual user. For example, if a user feels overwhelmed with CGM technology, a lower target levels of interaction may be needed, whereas a user who feels empowered by the technology may be encouraged to interact with the device at a higher frequency. Generally, HCPs will review interaction levels during routine visits when assessing general health and reviewing data uploads (e.g., approximately every 3 months for patients with diabetes). However, this approach may differ depending on the user, or other factors.

In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined target level of user interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106 may be set according to the time of day. For example, a user may interact with the receiver units 104 and 106 more frequently during the day than at night. Additionally, in another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined target level of user interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106 may be set according to the type of activity being performed by the user. For example, a user on a long-distance bicycle ride or car ride may need to check the analyte levels more frequently. In one exemplary embodiment, an HCP may recommend target levels of interaction corresponding to various events. In another exemplary embodiment, the target level of user interaction may be set by the user, or any other authorized party.

In one exemplary embodiment, the system may automatically adjust the target level of interaction based upon the user's activity level or state of general wellness. In this exemplary embodiment, the system may use pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate or other indicators to adjust the analyte level. Alternatively, position sensors, accelerometers or the like may be used to detect sleep and reduce (or even suspend) the target interaction frequency.

In another exemplary embodiment, the analyte monitoring system 100 may use the detected analyte levels to adjust future target levels of interaction. For example, the system may use an increase in glucose level, an increase in the rate of change of the glucose level, user entered information or some other analysis of the measured analyte level to identify a need to adjust the current target level of interaction. In one exemplary embodiment, the analyte levels may detect that the user has recently had a meal and may then adjust the interaction frequency automatically to a pre-programmed or user-set level.

Another exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of predetermined target levels of user interaction with the system of the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure may include an “ideal” level of interaction, an “acceptable” level of interaction and a “critical” level of interaction. These levels may shift based on several factors. In one exemplary embodiment, the level of interaction may be adjusted to an increased or decreased target level of interaction based upon the monitoring results, based upon some user interaction with the device (e.g., meal or activity level entry), or may be pre-programmed to vary with the time of day or day of the week. The monitoring results may include, analyte levels, the rate of change of analyte levels, etc.

In another exemplary embodiment, the interaction frequency level may be relative to the predetermined target interaction frequency. For example “ideal” may be approximately 90% or more of the target level; “acceptable” may be 70-90% of the target level; and “critical” may be below 70% of the target level.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the analyte monitoring system 100 may adjust the predetermined target levels of user interaction according to the condition of the user. Using glucose as an example, if the user's level of glucose drops below a certain threshold, the system may alert the user that hypoglycemia may occur. In this exemplary embodiment, the analyte monitoring system 100 may adjust the target rate of user interaction to be more frequent, thus prompting the user to interact with the device more often, and thus encourage the user to raise his level of glucose to a more acceptable level. Once the glucose level returns to an acceptable level, the system may adjust the target interaction rate accordingly.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the system may include a multiplier for adjusting target levels of user interaction, wherein the predetermined target rate of interaction is multiplied by a predetermined amount according to the condition reached. In one exemplary embodiment, a multiplier may be associated with a predetermined target level, such as for example the “critical” target level. In another exemplary embodiment, a multiplies may be associated with a specific condition, or analyte level of the user, such as when the user is in danger of becoming hypoglycemic.

In another exemplary embodiment, the system may adjust the rate of interaction according to predicted future analyte levels. For example, the analyte monitoring system 100 may predict the future analyte level of a user by monitoring the present rate of change of the user's analyte level.

As shown in FIG. 2, a receiver unit (104 or 106) may also optionally include an alarm system 26. In one exemplary embodiment, the alarm system 26 is triggered when the user's frequency of interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106 falls below a predetermined target level of interaction. In another exemplary embodiment, the alarm system 26 may be triggered when the user's level of interaction matches the predetermined target level of interaction.

The alarm system 26 may contain one or more individual alarms. Each of the alarms may be individually activated to indicate one or more predetermined target levels of user interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106. The alarms may be, for example, auditory or visual. Other sensory-stimulating alarm systems may be used, including alarm systems that direct the data processing unit 102 to heat, cool, vibrate, or produce a mild electrical shock. In some embodiments, the alarms are auditory with a different tone, note or volume indicating different predetermined target levels of user interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106. In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, various tones of the alarm system 26 may indicate varying urgency levels of a user's need to interact with the receiver units 104 and 106. For example, a high volume alarm may indicate a “critical” predetermined target level being reached, while a lower volume alarm might indicate that the user's frequency of interaction has fallen below the “acceptable” level of interaction with the receiver unit. Visual alarms may also use a difference in color or brightness of the display, or indicators on the display, to distinguish between different predetermined target levels of user interaction with the receiver units 104 and 106. In some embodiments, an auditory alarm system may be configured so that the volume of the alarm increases over time until the alarm is deactivated.

In some embodiments, the alarms may be automatically deactivated after a predetermined time period. In other embodiments, the alarms may be configured to deactivate only when the user interacts with a receiver unit.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiver units 104 and 106 may include software for requiring the user to perform a series of operations in order to silence the alarm. In this exemplary embodiment, the operations may be therapeutic decision options being presented to the user, or may be a series of options related to the user's state of health. The user would then need to review these options and acknowledge understanding by interacting with the device. In certain cases, the alarm may not turn off unless the user acknowledges such understanding.

FIG. 6 shows a chart according to an exemplary embodiment of the analyte monitoring system 100 of the present disclosure. As shown in Step 1 of FIG. 6, the predetermined target level of interaction is set. As discussed above, this level may be set by a user, an HCP, any other authorized person, or may automatically change depending on the factors discussed above. Next, in Step 2, the predetermined target level of user interaction is compared to the actual level of user interaction. If the user's actual level of interaction is above the predetermined target level, the system may simply wait. However, if the user's actual level of interaction falls below the target level, the system moves on to Step 3. In Step 3, the system calculates the difference between the actual level of user interaction and the predetermined target level.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, there are three levels of user interaction, the “ideal,” the “acceptable” and the “critical” level of interaction. In this exemplary embodiment, if the user's actual level of interaction falls below the “ideal” target level of user interaction, the user may be prompted to interact with the device (Step 4A). In one exemplary embodiment, the device will sound a low volume alarm for a predetermined period of time. That is, in Step 5A, the device will determine if the user has interacted with the device, and if the user has interacted, the alarm is turned off (Step 7A). As described above, the user may interact with the device by pressing a button or the like. If the user has not interacted with the device, the device determines whether a predetermined period of time has passed (Step 6A), and if it has, turns off the alarm.

Similarly, if the user's actual level of interaction falls below the “acceptable” target level of interaction, the system will prompt the user to interact with the device, by sounding an alarm or the like (Step 4B). In this example, as shown in Steps 5B and 6B, the alarm will not be turned off until the user has acknowledged the alarm, by pressing a button or the like.

If the user's actual level of interaction falls below the “critical” target level of interaction, the system will set off a third alarm (Step 4C). Similar to the “acceptable” target level, the alarm will not be turned off until the user has acknowledged the alarm (Step 5C). Additionally, to silence an alarm corresponding to the “critical” target level of interaction, the user may be required to perform a series of operations (Step 6C). Once the user completes the series of operations, the alarm is turned off (Step 7C).

One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the analyte monitoring system of FIG. 6 is simply one possible example of the system according to the present disclosure. Steps other than those described in FIG. 6 may be included in the analyte monitoring system, and similarly, the system does not have to include all of the steps shown in FIG. 6. As such, FIG. 6 should not limit the present disclosure in any way, and is simply provided as one example of an analyte monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the receiver unit (104 or 106) may also include a transmitter 30 which can be used to transmit a signal to activate an alarm system (not shown) on the data processing unit 102. In one exemplary embodiment, the data processing unit 102 may include a receiver for communicating with the receiver units 104 or 106. In another exemplary embodiment, the data processing unit 102 may include an alarm system (not shown) such as the one included with the receiver units 104 and 106, wherein the alarm of the data processing unit 102 may be activated by a receiver unit (104 or 106).

A receiver unit (104 or 106) may also include a number of optional items. One such item may be, for example, a data storage unit 28. The data storage unit 28 may be used to store the history of user interaction with the receiver unit, among other data. The data storage unit 28 may also be useful to store data that may be downloaded to another receiver unit, such as the primary receiver unit 104. Alternatively, the data may be downloaded to a computer or other data storage device in a user's home, at an HCP's office, etc., for evaluation of trends in analyte levels.

In one exemplary embodiment, the HCP may use the recorded history of interaction to modify the treatment of the user. The storage unit 28 may also store behavior variables, such as events, together with the data of the particular event. These behavior variables may be generated either automatically by the receiver unit or can, alternatively, be input by the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may also edit the event history. Examples of events may include things such as the user's activity level, state of health, medication (e.g., insulin) dosages, meals or any other event that may have an effect on the assessment of a treatment approach and recommendations for treatment modifications of the user.

As shown in FIG. 2, another optional component for the receiver unit is an input device 32, such as a keypad or keyboard. The input device 32 may allow numeric or alphanumeric input. The input device 32 may also include buttons, keys, or the like which initiate functions of, and/or provide input to, the analyte monitoring system 100. Such functions may include interacting with a receiver unit, manually changing the target level of user interaction with the receiver unit, changing the settings of the receiver unit or entering behavior variables to be used together with the history of user interaction with the receiver unit, but are not limited to the above.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is provided an exemplary embodiment of a receiver unit. In FIG. 5, the user may interact with the receiver unit using input options 32 a-d. In one exemplary embodiment, input options 32 a and 32 b are used to select the options shown on the display 24, while input options 32 c and 32 d are used to move through lists to highlight options and change settings. In another exemplary embodiment, a user's interaction with the integrated test strip, used to, for example, manually check the blood analyte level of a user, can be included as part of the user's interaction with the device.

In one exemplary embodiment, the user will have to acknowledge the alarm or message displayed by the receiver unit (104 or 106). In this exemplary embodiment, a receiver unit (104 or 106) may have a button which is the default button for acknowledging an alarm or message. However, some alarms may require the user to interact with a button other than the default button. Further, in certain exemplary embodiments, some alarms may require the user to perform a series of operations, such as pressing a combination of buttons or the like, in order to silence the alarm.

Another exemplary embodiment of the input device 32 is a touch screen display. The touch screen display may be incorporated into the display 24 or may be a separate display. The touch screen display is activated when the user touches the screen at a position indicated by a “soft button” which corresponds to a desired function.

In addition, the analyte monitoring system 100 may include password protection to prevent the unauthorized transmission of data to a terminal or the unauthorized changing of settings for the system 100. A user may be prompted by the receiver unit to input a password using the input device 32 whenever a password-protected function is initiated.

Accordingly, a method in one aspect includes monitoring a user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device, comparing the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device to at least one predetermined target level of interaction, and alerting the user when the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device is equal to or below the at least one predetermined target level of interaction.

In one aspect, alerting the user may indicate a difference between the actual frequency of interaction with the medical device and the predetermined target level of interaction.

The user may be alerted by an audible alarm, where the audible alarm may increase in loudness over time after being activated.

In another aspect, the user may be alerted by a vibrating alarm.

The method in a further embodiment may include a plurality of predetermined target levels of interaction, where alerting the user distinguishes between the plurality of target levels of interaction.

The user may be required to perform at least one step to turn off the alert, where the at least one step may be a decision related to the user's state of health.

The at least one predetermined target level of interaction may be adjusted by an authorized user.

In a further aspect, the method may include adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a time of day.

The method may also include adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a type of activity.

Also, the method may still include adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a future analyte level of the user, predicted using rate of change data.

Additionally, the method may include recording a history of the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device, where the method may also include adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to the recorded history.

In still yet a further embodiment, the method may include organizing the history of the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device according to behavior variables inputted by the user.

Further, the method may include rewarding the user when the actual frequency of interaction stays above the at least one predetermined level of interaction for a predetermined time.

Additionally, the method may include adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a data received from a sensor located on the user.

An analyte monitoring system in accordance with another embodiment includes a user interactive analyte device to monitor at least one analyte of a user, and a processor unit coupled to the user interactive device to determine the frequency of user interaction with the analyte monitoring device.

The analyte may include glucose.

In still yet a further aspect, the user interactive device may include an in vivo analyte sensor, where the sensor may be configured to at least be partially positioned under a skin surface of a user.

An analyte monitoring system in accordance with still another embodiment may include a sensor to monitor an analyte level of the user, a transmitter to transmit information obtained by the sensor, and a receiver unit comprising a receiver to receive data from the sensor, and a display coupled to the receiver to display the received data to the user when the user interacts with the receiver unit, where the receiver unit monitors the user's actual frequency of interaction with the device, compares the user's actual frequency of interaction with the receiver unit to at least one predetermined target level of interaction, and alerts the user when the user's actual frequency of interaction with the receiver unit is equal to or below the at least one predetermined target level of interaction.

The system in one aspect may include a data storage unit for storing a history of the user's actual interaction with the receiver unit.

The receiver unit may be portable.

The receiver unit may include a user input unit for interacting with the display unit.

Further, the user input unit may be used to change settings of the receiver unit.

Although the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure should not be limited to the described exemplary embodiments, but various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the described range of the following claims. 

1. A method, comprising: monitoring a user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device; comparing the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device to at least one predetermined target level of interaction; and alerting the user when the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device is equal to or below the at least one predetermined target level of interaction.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein alerting the user indicates a difference between the actual frequency of interaction with the medical device and the predetermined target level of interaction.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user is alerted by an audible alarm.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the audible alarm increases in loudness over time after being activated.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the user is alerted by a vibrating alarm.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of predetermined target levels of interaction, wherein alerting the user distinguishes between the plurality of target levels of interaction.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the user is required to perform at least one step to turn off the alert.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one step is a decision related to the user's state of health.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one predetermined target level of interaction is adjusted by an authorized user.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a time of day.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a type of activity.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a future analyte level of the user, predicted using rate of change data.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising recording a history of the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to the recorded history.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising organizing the history of the user's actual frequency of interaction with the medical device according to behavior variables inputted by the user.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising rewarding the user when the actual frequency of interaction stays above the at least one predetermined level of interaction for a predetermined time.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the at least one predetermined target level of interaction according to a data received from a sensor located on the user.
 18. An analyte monitoring system, comprising: a user interactive analyte device to monitor at least one analyte of a user; and a processor unit coupled to the user interactive device to determine the frequency of user interaction with the analyte monitoring device.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the user interactive device comprises an in vivo analyte sensor.
 20. The system of claim 20, wherein the sensor is configured to at least be partially positioned under a skin surface of a user. 